The tendency to dig is a common trait among a variety of dog breeds. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that some Northern breeds like Huskies or Malamutes or any large dog with a thick coat will dig "cooling holes" during the summer months as a way to beat the heat. Terrier breeds were bred to dig out prey and rodents and maintain these traits today, while other dogs simply dig to bury bones, to curb separation anxiety or out of sheer boredom.

If an owner notices that the problem has gotten progressively worse, then it's time to address the reason behind the digging in order to find a solution. VCA reports that most often owners need to find a new form of entertainment that could replace this activity.

VCA suggests that if a dog is digging to seek out small animals it often won't stop until owners eliminate the prey, whereas if the dog is digging to keep cool, providing it with a shelter where it can be in the shade may stop the problem. If the dog is digging out of boredom, then owners need to provide the animal with more exercise, leaving it less likely to be destructive and in better pet health.

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